LGBTI persons in Montenegro have faced a high level of hatred, violence and discrimination this year, which are most often manifested through hate speech on social networks and in public space, announced LGBT Forum Progress, on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.
That NGO is celebrating its 14th anniversary today, reminding us that they are the first LGBTI organization in Montenegro.
LGBT Forum Progress announced that, in the past 12 months, in cooperation with professional associates, they provided psychological, psychiatric and social support to more than 300 users.
"LGBTI people in Montenegro continued to face a high level of hatred, violence and discrimination, which are most often manifested through hate speech on social networks and in public space. Unfortunately, there was also a worrying increase in violence against women and peer violence. As response to these challenges, during the year we submitted over 140 applications for hate speech on the Internet and provided legal support for dozens of users of violence against the LGBTI community in Montenegro', which will be published by the end of the year, and will serve as an important resource for raising awareness and improving the institutional response to these challenges," the announcement reads.
They also say that the year behind us was also marked by positive events, which serve as "a further incentive for an even stronger and more dedicated fight for the dignity and human rights of LGBTI persons and other marginalized social groups in Montenegro".
"We organized three trainings for representatives of centers for social work from all three Montenegrin regions, as well as trainings for health workers, representatives of the Employment Agency of Montenegro (ZZZCG) and local governments. Also, during 2024, we implemented are a series of activities aimed at informing and educating the general public video content and put up informative posters in order to contribute to spreading awareness about the rights of LGBTI persons and women with experience of violence and the need for their protection", they remind.
They particularly emphasize the visit of Minister of Justice Bojan Božović to the premises of that NGO, which was "a significant step towards deepening dialogue and cooperation between state institutions and the civil sector". The focus of the meeting was on the improvement of the legal and institutional framework for the protection of the rights of LGBTI persons in Montenegro.
"This year will be remembered for the expansion of our activities to different target groups, the increase in the number of trained civil servants, as well as for the publications and researches issued. Despite the challenges, our psychosocial and legal services remained available, providing continuous support to those who need and the most necessary. LGBT Forum Progress remains committed to the fight for equality and human rights, continuing to provide assistance and support to marginalized social groups and contribute to the development of a more tolerant and just society," the statement reads.
Bonus video:
